Pro Installer March 2015 - Issue 24 | Page 12

12 MARCH 2015 PRO INSTALLER PRO NEWS www.proinstaller.co.uk Investing in Lead Generation Twelve months ago, Leads2trade acquired the home improvement arm of Compare Companies, a consumer lead generation network. Currently, the company has just made another significant investment and expanded its call centre in what marks a major investment for the company. All this comes after the company launched a dedicated bi-fold door division at the end of 2014, which will double qualified lead generation from homeowners. Andy Royle, Director, Leads2trade comments: “It’s been a whirlwind year following the acquisition at the start of 2014. Last year we generated more double qualified leads than ever before for. We’re proving that if you put in the investment, double qualified leads are a sure-fire way to grow a business.” Andy adds. Leads are generated through Leads2trade’s 800-strong network of websites where homeowners register to find tradesmen to carry out a variety of work from solar and boiler to double glazing. These are then passed on to members of Leads2trade’s popular Trusted Local Supplier network. Installers can buy double-qualified leads for homeowners looking to install double glazing, conservatories, renewable energy products and now bi-folding and patio doors; following the opening of a new bi-fold door lead division. Double qualified leads are transferred real time via email and SMS to the registered Trusted Local Suppliers. The leads can even be ‘Telephone hot key’ transferred directly from the call centre whilst the consumer is still on the phone. Andy says this facility has proven very popular with members as it ensures the leads are ‘red-hot’ as the consumer has only minutes before clicked and submitted their on-line enquiry, before it is sent to the member to follow up. Members also get access to a number of other benefits such as finance options, marketing support, business support tools and an appointment booking service. Crossing the Border Following rapid expansion in 2014, conservatory roof and aluminium bi-fold door company, Made For Trade is now taking its products into Scotland in a bid to become the UK’s fastest growing trade supplier. Having established a database of over 700 customers, Made For Trade has now finalised a deal to provide glass to Scotland, allowing the company to start delivering north of the border. Bradley Gaunt, Managing Director, explains: “We are based in the North East and deliver to the Southern coast with no problems, therefore it makes perfect sense for us to supply the short distance in to Scotland.” The company’s recent expansion into Scotland is the latest campaign to become a force to contend with in the industry. ‘We have 35 years experience in the conservatory business and ten years of supplying quality roofs’ Having grown on average by over 60% year on yea r since 2010, Made For Trade has seen a busy 2014, with a significant increase in factory space for the manufacturing of aluminium bi-fold doors, the addition of 18 new employees to the team, and the release of a new brochure. Expansion is expected to continue in 2015 with the introduction of aluminium sliding patio doors into the trade range, adding to the existing products; bi-fold doors and conservatory roofs. Other new products are also in the pipeline. Bradley explains: “We have 35 years experience in the conservatory business and ten years of supplying quality roofs across England, so new businesses should be assured of our reliablility and service.” For more information please visit www.madefortrade.co